On December 12, 2025, the “Shaping the Future of Sport” conference organized by EASE took place in Brussels. Here are the conclusions of the discussions that took place.
The event “Shaping the Future of Sport” brought together European institutions, social partners, policymakers, and practitioners to reaffirm the strategic role of sport within European society and policymaking. Throughout the day, speakers highlighted the importance of social dialogue, inclusion, investment, and European cooperation.
Opening Institutional Perspectives
The event opened with a strong institutional message from the European Commissioner for Sport, Mr MICALLEF, who underlined the essential role played by EASE in representing sport employers at European level. The Commissioner emphasized the importance of European social dialogue in sport as a key instrument to address current and futur challenges, encourage cooperation among stakeholders, and strengthen the sector’s contribution to European objectives.
This was followed by an intervention from a Portuguese Member of the European Parliament, Mr SOUSA SILVA, for recognizing sport as a strategic pillar of society. He stressed the societal, economic, and social value of sport, called for reinforced social dialogue, and encouraged stronger public investment in sport at European level.
EASE’s Mission and Legacy
Gladys BEZIER, former President of EASE, then provided valuable insights into the background and history of EASE, highlighting its long-standing commitment to building a strong and representative network of sport employers across Europe. Her intervention recalled EASE’s foundational role in promoting dialogue, cooperation, and structured representation within the European sport sector.
Roundtable I – Renewal of EU Social Dialogue in Sport
The first roundtable focused on the renewal of EU social dialogue in sport, bringing together a member of EASE, Marc ELFFERS representing Werkgevers in de Sport, Jana HAVRDOVA representing Czechia Active, and DG Employment (European Commission) represented by Jan BEHRENS. Discussions highlighted the need to modernize dialogue mechanisms, ensure effective representation, and reinforce cooperation between social partners and EU institutions. In this way, the sports sector will once again be able to meet the representativeness criteria established by the Commission in its resolution of May 20, 1998, and thus establish a sectoral social dialogue.
This discussion was linked to the Erasmus+ SOPROS project, mainly focused on European social dialogue and improving athletes rights and protections.
Keynotes
- Future of Sport Model
A video was shown in which Austrian MEP Mr HEIDE presented some pertinent thoughts on the future of the European sports model. He reaffirmed that sport is a matter for citizens, embodying inclusion, fairness and hope, values that are closely linked to European values. He also emphasised the need for cooperation, social dialogue and a plan to strengthen sport in Europe.
- Inclusion and Social Impact
The event continued with two powerful keynote speeches delivered by EASE member, Special Olympics, actively engaged in promoting the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in the professional sport environment. These interventions were made by Jacques RIVOAL and Christo VELKOV, showcased concrete actions and demonstrated how sport can serve as a powerful driver of social inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities.
- Advocacy for Sport in the EU Budget
Participants were then presented with the petition on the EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), calling for greater recognition of sport within the EU’s long-term budget, presentation made by one of EASE’ members : Sport&Citizenship represented by Eva JACOMET. This moment reinforced the collective advocacy effort to ensure that sport receives adequate resources to deliver its full potential.
Roundtable II – Why European Support Is Essential for Grassroots Sport
The second roundtable explored why European support is essential for grassroots sport. Speakers shared inspiring exchanges and presented European-funded projects that have successfully developed thanks to EU support. These examples clearly demonstrated how EU funding enables local initiatives to scale up, innovate, and reach broader communities.
The presentations were made by : Marino MANZONI, Hayat ABDELLATIF, Côme FILLERE. This discussion was highlitghted by the reflexions of the European Commission, represented by Pia HASCHKE, DG Education, Culture, Youth&Sport, EC Sport Unit.
Legal Perspective and Closing Reflections
The conference concluded with an intervention by a EU qualified lawyer, Marine MONTEJO, who provided a thoughtful reflection on the legal competences of the European Union regarding the themes discussed throughout the day.
We would like to warmly thank all speakers, panelists, institutional representatives, and participants for their valuable contributions and engagement. Your insights, experiences, and commitment made this event a meaningful step toward shaping a stronger, more inclusive, and better-supported future for sport in Europe.
A special thank you also goes to our partners and collaborators whose support made this event possible and the Portuguese Permanent Representation who allowed us to host such an event.
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